Actuation Mechanism Configured to Exert Mechanical Forces on Laundry Items in a Wash Basin

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine is configured for personal use. The washing machine comprises a basin configured to contain a plurality of laundry items. Mechanical force is exerted on laundry items within the basin through at least one actuation mechanism. Additionally, the washing machine comprises a panel configured to enhance the mechanical force exerted from the actuation mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to washing machines, and especially to washing machines that operate automatically. Automatic washing machines typically comprise a cleaning tank and a vibration source connected to the cleaning tank to power the cleaning force within the washing machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,840 to Shibata, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses an ultrasonic washing apparatus. The invention provides an ultrasonic oscillating device comprising a base plate and an ultrasonic transducer attached to the base plate. In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides an ultrasonic washing apparatus comprising a tank for containing cleaning liquid, an ultrasonic oscillating device for emitting an ultrasonic wave into the cleaning liquid of the tank, and an ultrasonic oscillator which outputs a drive oscillating signal to the ultrasonic oscillating device. The ultrasonic oscillator is a multi-frequency oscillator which is capable of outputting the drive oscillating signal. The ultrasonic oscillating device comprises a quadrilateral base plate or a circular base plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,063 to Kim et a1, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses a low frequency vibration type washing machine having at least one horizontally reciprocating disk. The disk is provided on the side wall of the washing tub and horizontally vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the multi-phase washing medium, thus to generate the resonance phenomena in the washing medium inside the washing tub while saving disk drive energy. The multi-phase washing medium is made of water, detergent, and air. The washing machine also includes an actuator which coupled to the disk for driving this disk. In an embodiment, two disks are provided on the side wall of the washing tub in such a manner that they face each other. In this case, the disks may vibrate so as to form vibrational waves of the same phase or different phases. The vibrational waves of the disks may have a phase difference larger than −π/2 and less than π/2.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine is configured for personal use. The washing machine comprises a basin configured to contain a plurality of laundry items. Mechanical force is exerted on laundry items within the basin through at least one actuation mechanism. Additionally, the washing machine comprises a panel configured to enhance the mechanical force exerted from the actuation mechanism.

The panel may be vertically or horizontally aligned within the basin. In addition to the panel, the washing machine may comprise at least one partition configured to separate the laundry items. The at least one partition may detach and reattach to the machine. The at least one partition may comprise non-planar surfaces of various geometries. The at least one partition may comprise at least two or more rods. The at least one partition may comprise an elastic material. A spring may be disposed within or attach to the at least one partition.

A variety of methods may be implemented to remove a washing fluid from the washing machine. At least one drainage device may be disposed on an underside of the washing machine. The at least one drainage device may be configured to operate electronically. The at least one drainage device may be configured to operate manually. The at least one partition may be configured to exert short, high frequency vibrations to remove excess fluid from the laundry items. A volume displacement system that may comprise an air bladder may be disposed within the washing machine and configured to expand and contract. The air bladder may be configured to adjust the volume of the washing basin through expansion and contraction. The air bladder may be configured to expand and compressively force the washing fluid from the laundry items.

In addition to removing the washing fluid from the machine, the washing machine may be configured to dry the laundry items completely. At least one heating coil may be disposed within the washing machine and configured to evaporate the remaining moisture from the laundry items. An upper covering of the washing machine may be configured to rise up out of the machine and facilitate increased air circulation. At least one blowing mechanism may be configured to increase the air flow, accelerating the drying process. The blowing mechanism may comprise a heating coil to further accelerate the drying process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a bathroom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine

FIG. 3 a is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 3 b is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a partition of a washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 9 a is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a partition of a washing machine.

FIG. 9 b is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a partition of a washing machine.

FIG. 9 c is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a partition of a washing machine.

FIG. 9 d is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a partition of a washing machine.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a shower.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine.

FIG. 15 a is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

FIG. 15 b is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

FIG. 15 c is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

FIG. 15 d is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

FIG. 15 e is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

FIG. 15 f is a perspective diagram of another embodiment of an arrangement of laundry items and partitions within the wash basin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a bathroom 100. The bathroom 100 comprises a set of cupboards 101, a mirror 102, and at least one sink 103. Proximate the sink 103, a washing machine 104 is positioned on the floor 105. A person 106 is depicted loading at least one laundry item 107 into the washing machine 104. The laundry items 107 may load into the machine 104 by attaching to an upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104. Furthermore, the machine 104 may be configured for personal use, contributing to a decrease in size from the standard washing machine. The smaller machine 104 may aid in conserving cleaning fluid by requiring less water and cleaning products to conduct a thorough cleaning cycle. The smaller size may also require less energy to power the machine 104 during a normal wash cycle, thus conserving energy. In addition, the washing machine 104 may be configured to recycle and reuse the washing fluid throughout multiple cycles.

Beneath the washing machine 104 a cut-out 109 is depicted in the floor 105. The cut-out 109 may disclose a draining apparatus in the floor beneath the washing machine 104. The draining apparatus may connect to a drainage device disposed within the washing machine 104. The draining apparatus may comprise a plumbing system 110 beneath the floor 105, providing a pathway for the disposal of used fluid from the washing machine 104.

The washing machine 104 may comprise at least one programming dial. FIG. 1 is disclosed having three dials. A temperature dial 111 may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid during the washing cycle. Generally, the temperature dial 111 may be configured to program hot, warm, or cold fluid for the wash cycle. A volume dial 112 may be configured to control the volume of the fluid placed in the washing machine 104. Preferably, the volume options may be small, medium, or large. A intensity dial 113 may be configured to control the intensity of the wash cycle. An timing dial may control the amount of time that the machine 104 requires to undergo a washing cycle. Further dials controlling other aspects of the washing, rinsing, and/or drying cycles may also be incorporated into the machine 104.

FIG. 2 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. The washing machine 104 may comprise a cartridge 200, a basin 201, a hanging mechanism 202, and the upper covering 108. The cartridge 200 may comprise at least one partition 203. The at least one partition 203 may be flexible and vertical. In some embodiments, the at least one partition 203 may be horizontal. The at least one partition 203 may separate laundry items 107 in the basin 201, resulting in a more thorough cleaning cycle. The number of partitions 203 may be modified based on the number of laundry items 107 in a given wash cycle. Preferably, the cartridge 200 may comprise one more partition 203 than laundry item 107, resulting in a partition 203 on either side of every laundry item 107. The covering 108 on the upper end of the washing machine 104 may comprise at least one spring 204 to attach the partition 203. The base of the washing machine 104 may comprise grooves to lock the at least one partition 203 into place. The grooves may be configured to provide rigidity for the partition 203, contributing to a more effective and efficient wash cycle. In other embodiments, alternative locking mechanisms may also be implemented to provide rigidity for the partition 203.

The upper covering 108 of the machine 104 may detach from the basin 201. The detachment of the upper covering 108 may facilitate the loading of laundry items 107 into the washing machine 104. The hanging mechanism 202 may be attached to the upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104. At least one laundry item 107 may attach to a hanger 205 that comprises collapsible prongs 206. The hanger 205 may slide upwards into the hanging mechanism 202, forcing the prongs 206 to collapse in the process. The prongs 206 may then expand outwards through a set of holes in the hanging mechanism 202, securing the hanger 205 into place.

Additionally, the upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104 may comprise a sliding track 207. The hanging mechanism 202 and the springs 204 for the partitions 203 may attach to the track 207. The sliding track 207 may assist in the addition or removal of hanging mechanisms 202 and springs 204. The sliding track 207 may also allow the spacing between the hanging mechanisms 202 and springs 204 to be altered.

In some embodiments, the covering is a lid configured to pivot on a hinge. The hangers may be supported by a frame that is configured to fit within the basin. In some embodiments, a hanger may be configured to support multiple columns or rows of laundry items. For example, a specialized hanger could be equipped to hang a sock side by side with another sock. Also, a hanger could allow multiple rows of clothing to be hanging in a vertical manner such that multiple smaller laundry items are aligned along the length the partitions. Preferably, both side of each laundry item has direct contact with the partitions.

FIG. 3 a discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. A fluid hose 300 may be connected to the basin 201 of the washing machine 104. The fluid hose 300 may be configured to fill the basin 201 with fluid electronically or manually.

At least one actuation mechanism 301 may be disposed within the machine 104. Preferably, the washing machine 104 may comprise one actuation mechanism 301 per flexible partition 203. The actuation mechanism 301 may exert mechanical forces on the washing machine 104 and the laundry items 107. A flexible panel 302 may be located proximate the actuation mechanism 301. The actuation mechanism 301 may force oscillations to occur in the flexible panel 302, amplifying the mechanical forces within the washing machine 104. The oscillation of the flexible panel 302 may result in a faster cleaning cycle.

FIG. 3 b discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of one of the vertical partitions 203. The vertical partition 203 may comprise non-planar surfaces 303. The non-planar surfaces 303 aid in the cleaning action during the wash cycle. The geometries may be situated and angled in such a way to prevent the laundry items 107 from catching or tearing on the partition 203. In some embodiments the partitions 203 may be utilized to prevent the colors from running together by separating the colored items. In other embodiments the partitions 203 may be implemented to create separate compartments for various delicates, aiding in the prevention of unnecessary wear during the wash cycle.

FIG. 4 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. The washing machine 104 is full of fluid and the at least one actuation mechanism 301 has begun operation. As the at least one actuation mechanism 301 begins to rotate, it forces the panel 302 to oscillate. The oscillation may drive the spring 204 in the partition 203 to expand and contract. The expansion and contraction may force the partitions 203 to rub against the laundry items 107 working them clean in the process. The force exerted on the partitions 302 may translate the partitions 302 in the direction of the arrows 400 as indicated.

In other embodiments, the partitions 203 may connect directly to the upper covering 108 without a spring in between. The partition 203 may comprise a material that will expand and contract sufficiently without requiring a spring.

In other embodiments the partitions are sufficiently weighted and guided by a track built into the basin walls. The actuation mechanism may shift the partitions up, but the partition's weight may be sufficient to move the partition down.

One advantage to the present invention is that the mechanism for cleaning the laundry items is primarily or entirely mechanical. Some embodiments may incorporate the use of detergents, soaps, etc to supplement the mechanical agitation; however, some embodiments may rely entirely on the mechanical force exerted on the laundry items. As such, many embodiments include hanging only one laundry item deep within each partition section, so both partitions may exert a mechanical force on the laundry items.

FIG. 5 discloses the machine 104 during the drain cycle. At least one drainage device 500 may be disposed on the base of the washing machine 104. The drainage device 500 may operate electronically and/or manually. The drainage device 500 may be connected to the plumbing system of the living quarters, providing a path for the fluid to drain. The base of the washing machine 104 may have a slope 501 leading to the drainage device 500 to facilitate the process of removing fluid from the machine 104. The fluid may then flow through the drain in the floor and out of the pipe in the flooring to be recycled or disposed of.

FIG. 6 discloses a volume displacement system that may include an air bladder 600. Initially, the air bladder 600 may be deflated but is configured to expand and contract to different volumes. The expansion and contraction may be determined by the number of laundry items 107 in a given cycle. The air bladder 600 may expand to decrease the volume of the basin 201 when washing fewer items in the machine 104, subsequently reducing the overall fluid consumption of the machine 104 during a wash cycle.

At the end of every wash cycle the air bladder 600 may fully inflate. The inflation may cause the volume of the basin 201 to decrease. The expansion of the air bladder 600 may force a compression of the laundry items 107 and partitions 203. The laundry items 107 and partitions 203 may translate along the sliding track 207, coming closer together. The compression in the washing machine 104 may result in releasing excess fluid from the laundry items 107. The released fluid may be removed from the machine 104 through the drainage device 500. The air bladder 600 compression may decrease the drying time for the laundry items 107. In other embodiments, the volume displacement system may comprise an adjustable panel to modify the size of the basin 201.

Another fluid removal system may be employed after the fluid has drained from the basin 201. The actuation mechanism 301 may be turned on to function without any fluid in the basin 201. Power may be supplied to the actuation mechanism 301 in short, high frequency vibrations. The actuation mechanism 301 may cause the vertical partition 203 to shake any excess fluid from the laundry items 107, assisting in the drying cycle whilst also softening the fabric.

FIG. 7 discloses a perspective diagram of the front of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. The washing machine 104 may comprise a drying process. Heating coils 700 may be disposed within the washing machine 104. Preferably, the heating coils 700 may be disposed in the exterior walls of the basin 201 where radiant heat waves 701 may be received equally by all the laundry items 107. The heating coils 700 may be separated from the fluid in the washing machine 104 by a barrier 702. The heating coils 700 may be wrapped in a water resistant polymer to further prevent damage from occurring to the heating coils 700. After the fluid has been drained, the at least one drainage device may close, sealing the basin 201. The heating coils 700 may then switch on. The heating coils 700 may comprise resistance wires made of copper, nichrome or another high electrical resistance material. The heating coils 700 may produce radiant heat waves 701 that circulate through the enclosed basin 201, drying the laundry items 107. To facilitate better air circulation and decrease the drying time, the cartridge containing the partitions 203 may be removed prior to the heating coils 700 switching on. Once the drying process is complete, the upper covering 108 of the basin 201 may be raised and the laundry items 107 removed from the machine 104.

FIG. 8 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. The washing machine 104 may comprise a blowing mechanism 800 generally disposed on the upper covering 108 of the machine 104. The blowing mechanism 800 may circulate air throughout the basin 201 at an increased rate, directing the air flow towards the laundry items 107 and decreasing the drying time. In addition, the blowing mechanism 800 may comprise a heating coil 801. The heating coil 801 may produce additional radiant heat waves to remove the fluid from the laundry items 107 at an increased rate. However, in some embodiments the blowing mechanism does not provide any additional heat.

The flexible partitions 203 may comprise at least one rod 802. The actuation mechanism 301 may force a spring 204 on the at least one rod 802 to contract and expand. This force may result in a rubbing or rolling action to occur between the partition 203 and the laundry item 107 to work the item 107 clean.

FIGS. 9 a-9 d disclose perspective diagrams of embodiments of flexible partitions of a washing machine. FIG. 9 a discloses a partition 900 comprising at least two or more rods 901. Each rod 901 may comprise an axle 902 disposed through the center. The axle 902 of each rod 901 may be connected through a wire 903 or some other material. The rods 901 on the partition may be configured to revolve about the axle 902. The revolutions may result in the rods 901 rotating against the laundry items to work them clean.

FIG. 9 b discloses a partition 904 comprising a series of cavities 905. The cavities 905 may cause uneven pressure dispersion. The pressure build-ups may aid in working the laundry items clean at a greater rate. The cavities 905 may also rub against the laundry items causing friction to further work the items clean.

FIG. 9 c discloses a partition 906 comprising a flat plane 907 with a series of ridges 908. The ridges 908 may extend outwards from the plane 907. The ridges 908 may result in more surfaces rubbing against the laundry items, forcing them clean at a greater rate.

FIG. 9 d discloses a partition 909 comprising a series of protrusions 910. The protrusions 910 may be arranged orderly in rows, or spaced evenly or randomly upon the exterior face of the partition 909. The protrusions 910 may increase the surface area rubbing against the laundry items working them clean.

FIG. 10 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. A lifting mechanism 1000 may connect to the upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104. The lifting mechanism 1000 may comprise a pulley system, hydraulic expansion, or other elevation systems. The upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104 may detach and rise up above the machine 104 through the lifting mechanism 1000. This may allow the laundry items 107 to hang dry. The partitions may detach from the upper covering 108 to allow for increased air circulation through the laundry items 107. The arrows 1001 represent the fluid evaporating from the laundry items 107. In other embodiments, the blowing mechanism may be disposed on the upper covering 108 of the washing machine 104 to further decrease the drying time of the laundry items 107.

FIG. 11 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of a washing machine 104. The flexible panel 302 may be disposed vertically in the washing machine 104. The actuation mechanism 301 may force the flexible panel 302 to oscillate. The oscillation of the flexible panel 302 may cause vibration waves 1100 to form in the washing fluid to create a cleaning action. In other embodiments the panel 302 may be used in combination with the flexible partitions to effectively clean the laundry items 107.

FIG. 12 discloses a perspective diagram of an embodiment of the washing machine 104 positioned in a shower 1200. When the drainage device of the washing machine 104 is open the fluid may drain directly from the washing machine 104 onto the floor 1201 of the shower 1200 and out through the shower drain 1202. Rather than requiring a separate plumbing system for the washing machine 104, the same plumbing system utilized for the shower 1200 may also be used for the washing machine 104. The washing machine 104 may also be positioned proximate a bathtub or throughout other areas of the living quarters.

FIG. 13 discloses the wash basin 1302 located above a toilet assembly 1305. The wash basin comprises a front door 1303 for front loading the laundry items. A drainage pipe 1304 from the basin is in fluid communication with a water tank 1301 of the toilet assembly. Thus, the wash basin shares a common drainage path 1306 with the toilet. In some embodiments, however, the pipe 1304 may be in fluid communication with directly with the toilet bowl 1300.

The door 1303 of the basin may be located on any side of the basin. In some embodiments, the wash basin is configured to move vertically along the wall with respect to the toilet. The pipe 1304 may be a flexible or telescoping pipe to accommodate the movement. An arrangement where the wash basin is located above the toilet is believed to be ideal of compact spaces, like in apartments, air planes, campers, buses, hotel rooms, trains, space travel vehicles, boats, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the fluid used in the wash basin is recyclable. The fluid may be used multiple times before discharging the fluid. In such embodiments, a fluid tank may be disposed near the wash basin. The recycled fluid may be filtered to keep debris associated with the laundry items from recycling as well.

FIG. 14 discloses a wash basin divided into at least two portions 1400, 1401 that collectively form a cavity of the wash basin. The portions may be connected by a hinge 1402. Sealing elements (not shown) may be secured to the mating edges 1406, 1407 of the portions to prevent leaks in the basin when the portions are joined. Hanger rods 1403 may be configured to receive hanger 1405 the support the laundry items 1404.

FIGS. 15 a-f disclose various arrangements for loading and/or arranging the laundry items within the wash basin. FIG. 15 a discloses a plurality of laundry items 1500 intermediate partitions 1501. The laundry items may be hung on arms that collapse like a book. Such an arrangement may allow the laundry items and partitions to be closely held within the wash basin 1502. The arms 1503 and poles 1504 supporting the laundry items any be collapsed to fit within the basin.

FIG. 15 b may support the laundry items on a sliding track 1505. FIG. 15 c discloses that the laundry items 1500 and partitions 1501 may be arranged within the basin 1502 horizontally.

FIG. 15 d discloses the laundry items and partitions arranging is side by side rows 1506. FIG. 15 e discloses the laundry and partitions arranged on a closed track 1507. FIG. 15 f discloses a rod 1508 that supports the laundry items and partitions.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the figures attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A washing machine configured for personal use, comprising: a basin configured to contain a plurality of laundry items, at least one actuation mechanism configured to exert mechanical force on the laundry items; and a panel configured to enhance the mechanical force from the actuation mechanism.
 2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the panel is vertically aligned within the basin.
 3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the basin is divided into at least two portions that are hinged together and collectively form a basin cavity.
 4. The machine of claim 1, wherein at least one partition is configured to separate the laundry items.
 5. The machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition is detachable from the machine.
 6. The machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition comprises non-planar surfaces.
 7. The machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition comprises at least one rod.
 8. The machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition comprises an elastic material.
 9. The machine of claim 4, wherein a spring is disposed within the at least one partition.
 10. The machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one partition is configured to exert short, high frequency vibrations to remove excess fluid from the laundry items.
 11. The machine of claim 1, wherein at least one drain device is disposed on an underside of the washing machine.
 12. The machine of claim 11, wherein the at least one drain is shared with the toilet.
 13. The machine of claim 1, wherein a volume displacement system is disposed within the washing machine and configured to expand and contract.
 14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the volume displacement system is configured to alter the volume of the washing machine through expansion and contraction.
 15. The machine of claim 13, wherein the volume displacement system is configured to compressively remove fluid from the laundry items.
 16. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is configured to dry the laundry items in the basin.
 17. The machine of claim 16, wherein at least one heating coil is disposed within the washing machine and configured to evaporate moisture from the laundry items.
 18. The machine of claim 16, wherein a top end of the washing machine is configured to raise up allowing increased air circulation during a drying cycle.
 19. The machine of claim 16, wherein at least one blowing mechanism is configured to increase air flow and accelerate the laundry item drying process.
 20. The machine of claim 19, wherein the blowing mechanism comprises a heating coil. 